Dhaka: The Advisory Council today approved the ‘Revenue Policy and Revenue Management (Amendment) Ordinance 2025’, which divides the National Board of Revenue (NBR) into the Revenue Policy Division and Revenue Management Division. The decision was made at a meeting held at the Chief Adviser’s Office, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced the approval during a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka. The amended ordinance introduces 11 changes, aiming to enhance the transparency, accountability, and efficiency of revenue operations by separating policy-making from revenue collection.
Shafiqul Alam detailed that the heads of the newly formed NBR divisions will be appointed based on qualifications, experience, and fairness, with the possibility of appointments from any cadre if necessary. He noted that the original ordinance, promulgated on May 12, was followed by discussions with NBR officials and staff to address various provisions.
On June 29, the Advisory Council established a committee to expedite business, trade, industry, ports, and revenue collection activities. The committee, comprising advisers from various ministries, NBR members, and representatives from BCS Taxation and Customs cadres, alongside business organizations and the NBR Reform Advisory Committee, conducted meetings with stakeholders and visited tax, customs, and VAT offices. Their recommendations led to the preparation of the final draft amendment under the guidance of the Finance Adviser.
Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad were also present at the briefing. The meeting further approved the ‘Agreement between the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh on the abolition of visa for nationals holding diplomatic and official passports’. Additionally, the council received updates on the progress of implementing recommendations from reform commissions, as indicated by a Cabinet Division press release.